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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 






UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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SCIENTIFIC SERIES. 



Price T-w-exxirsr-lF 1 !-^© Cents. 



THE A.RT OF 



I 



OLD. SILYIB. NXCR1L 



-AND— 



COPPER PLATING 

P 




Two of Wm. Lowey's Improved SMEE'S Batteries, connected, 
with Gilding Pan in the act of Gilding a Watch-Case. 



» < ♦ » i 



NEW YORK : 

PUBLISHED BY 

WILLIAM LOWEY, 

MANUFACTURES OP 

Electro-Platers' Batteries & Supplies, of all kinds, 
85 NASSAU STKEET. 



NOTICE. 

Parties ordering goods should send money by post office 
order or registered letter, or by draft on New York, made pay- 
able to William Lowey, as it is not safe to trust money in ordin- 
ary letters. 

All monies sent otherwise will be at sender's risk. 

Cash must accompany all orders. Goods will be sent C. O. D. 
only when one-half the amount is sent with the order, to 
insure good faith. 

All goods will be packed with the greatest care, and the price 
of. the box added to the bill in all cases except in the small plat- 
ing batteries, which j)rices are given boxed. 

We will not be responsible for goods after they leave our 
office. 

In ordering goods to be sent by express, please state what 
express you wish them sent by. 

Small articles, such as wire, connections, salts, powders and 
small zincs can be sent much cheaper by mail thnn express. 
Where articles of this class are sent by mail it is necessary that 
one cent for each ounce, or fraction thereof, should accompany 
the order. » 

N. B. Parties buying goods from us, and having trouble with 
the batteries, o:r in their work, it they will write to us, giving a 
description of their trouble, we will look into the matter for 
them, and let them know the cause of the trouble. We do not 
purpose to carry on a course of instruction through the mail, but 
simply to help those in trouble, as far as we can. 

Parties writing to us for information will please enclose a 
three cent stamp for return postage, otherwise, no notice will be 
taken of their request. 

_ W. LOWEY, 

85 Nassau Street, N. Y. 



/ 

THE ART 



OF 



Gold, Silver, Nickel 



AND 



COPPER PLATING 



MADEBAST 






A CONCISE YET COMPLETE AND PRACTICAL EXPLANATION OF THE PROCESS 
OF ELECTRO-PLATING AND GILDING, SIMPLIFIED FOR THE USE OF 
AMATEURS AND LEARNERS, AND ESPECIALLY ADAPTED TO 
THE WANTS AND REQUIREMENTS OF SMALL ELECTRO- 
PLATERS AND GILDERS. 




NEW YORK : 

PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM LOWEY, 

Manufacturer of Electro-Platers' Batteries and Supplies cf all kinds. 






Copyrighted, 1878, by William Lowey. 



,,_.. /<- MW 



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Out of Darkness Into Light. 



THINK IT OVER. 

READ THIS INTRODUCTION CAREFULLY. 

The art of Electroplating is an invention of modern date, and 
has hitherto been kept in the hands of a few, who have mon- 
opolized the whole business. But now an opportunity is 
offered for all to acquire this very simple and lucrative business. 
There is scarcely a town or village in the United States but 
would give sufficient employment for at least one operator. The 
uses of electroplating are constantly extending. 

To meet a want, long felt, is the design of the publisher of 
this little manual, who can well remember the trouble he had 
when a boy to get the apparatus required to perform simple 
experimeDts in chemistry. No small or cheap sets of appara- 
tus were then known, and not having a pocketful of money he 
had to construct his own. Having to make oxygen gas at one 
4me, and having no apparatus at hand, he took the chimney 
from a lamp, put a cork in the upper end of it, then taking a 
basin of water he filled the chimney with water and inverted it 
in the basin; to generate the gas, he took a three-drachm vial 
and half-filled it with chlorate of potash and peroxide of man- 
ganese in about equal proportions; having placed a small glass 
tube in a cork he placed the cork in the bottle, and taking a 
small rubber tube he connected the bottle with the mouth of 
the chimney. 

Everything was now ready; taking the small bottle up in his 
hand he held it over a kerosene lamp, and in a few moments 



IV INTRODUCTION. 

the gas came bubbling over into the chimney, displacing the 
water in it, and in a few minutes it was full of gas. Now taking 
a small piece of cork, he placed upon it a little piece of phos- 
phorus, aD d touched it with a hot wire, which ignited it ; then he 
lifted up the chimney and placed it over the cork, and the re- 
sult was a light of dazzling brilliancy. This is one of the most 
brilliant experiments that is performed upon the lecture table. 
In this way he had to proceed in all his studies. So that he is 
able to fully appreciate the difficulties which young students 
have to encounter in their studies, and will ever hold himself 
ready to help them, not only in selecting apparatus but also in 
showing them how they can construct their own, and thus save 
their money. It is his cherished desire to foster in the youth 
of this country a stronger desire for scientific studies, to take 
the place of the light and vile matter which publishers are 
spreading broadcast over the land, and which is killing both 
morals and mind of the rising generation. 

For this purpose the publisher is getting up sets of cheap ap- 
paratus, with which any one can perform some of the most 
brilliant and beautiful experiments known in natural and chem- 
ical philosophy, that they may become so interested in the study 
that one experiment will drag them into another, until finally 
they will have brought themselves through a thorough course of 
study in the natural sciences. 

It was this that prompted him to make these small batteries, 
so that boys and even men might take hold of them and learn 
the whole ins and outs of one of the most interesting as well as 
profitable trades. With one of these batteries any one with or- 
dinary brains can set to work and plate knives, forks, spoons, 
rings, and various other small articles, to the intense interest of 
the whole family, who are gathered around to see the article 
gradually assume a silvery white appearance, and who wonder 
why it is they cannot see the little grains of silver flying through 
the solution to fasten itself on the article. With these batteries 
can be made all kinds of cheap jewelry the same as that now 
sold in such quantities over the whole country. 

Now where money is an object this is just the thing. Where 
is there a place that will not support at least one silverplater, to. 
say nothing of the large cities, which can support hundreds. 
Then there is electro typing, a trade that pays in this city to 
a good electrotyper $40 and even $50 a week, and they are hard 
to get even at that money. Now what is there to prevent you 
from studying up this subject with one of these small batteries? 
You will have everything that is necessary to go through the 
whole operation of an electrotype foundry, or gold silver, and 
nickel plating, or the manufacture of jewelry, only on a small 
scale. You can get as good an impression as they can, only not 
so large. Thus, with a little practice you will be able to fill a 
lucrative position in some silverplating establishment or electro- 



INTRODUCTION, V 

typing foundry. This is a business very easily learned, is light, 
easily started in, and pays largely. Such offers as this have 
never been made before. 

Think over it, and see if it will not pay you to send for one 
of these batteries. Do not be afraid to write to us, for nothing 
will please us half so well as to know that we have been the 
means of helping some person along. 

To the ©Sder People. . 

We are constantly receiving letters from our correspondents, 
inquiring whether we think it would pay for them to go into 
the electroplating business, or the manufacture of cheap jewel- 
ry, stating the towns or cities they reside in, and the number 
of inhabitants, and whether we think they could learn the arU 
To all these inquiries we would say that electroplating is very 
profitable, and can be learned by any person of ordinary intelli- 
gence, especially by parties who have a knowledge of working 
in metals to perfection, as locksmiths, iewellers, silversmiths, 
gunsmiths, sewing-machine makers, and plumbers, and in fact 
any business where work is required to look well. 

We would recommend our plating sets, as the business is very 
profitable and can be done in a very small room, and will not 
interfere with other work. There are hundreds that send their 
work by express to distant cities to be plated. The expense and 
delay can all be avoided by doing your own plating, and you 
can do it better and cheaper yourself, because you know just 
how much metal you have on the work. 

We have sent our piating sets to parties who knew nothing 
about plating, and with the assistance of our book they were 
successful beyond their expectations, and from a small begin- 
ning they have built up a large business. There is not a city 
or town in the United States and Canadas in which there cannot 
be a good business done in jobbing, such as plating watches, 
tea sets, tea pitchers, knives and forks, etc. 

We should advise parties who intend to start a jobbing shop 
or manufactory, to get the silver plating set described else 
where, as that includes everything that is necessary to com- 
mence with; then as work increases and they become experts in 
the art, they can enlarge this apparatus so as to meet the re- 
quirements of their work. The $40.00 set will silver plate a tea 
set, castors, spoons, knives, forks, etc. For jewellers and 
watchmakers we would recommend the $32.00 set, as jewellers' 
work is not so large, and they would not require so much bat- 
tery power. 

W. LOWEY, 

MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN 

GOLD, SILVER, AND NICKEL PLATERS' BATTERIES, 

AND PLATING MATERIALS OF ALL KINDS, 
85 Nassau Street, New York, 



GOLD, SILVER AND NICKEL 
PLATING MADE EASY. 



A NEW AND USEFUL TRADE EASILY LEARNED. 

A Complete Electroplating Apparatus 

. FOR $1.50 7 

Including a Battery -in Perfect Working Order and Decom- 
posing Cell. 





No. 1.— Price $1.50. 



No.' 2.— Price $3.50. 



The art of electroplating is an invention of modern date, and has 
hitherto been kept in the hands of a few, who have monopolized the whole 
business. But now an opportunity is offered to all to acquire this very 
simple and lucrative business. There is scarcely a town 4 or village in the 
United States but would give* sufficient employment for at least one opera- 
tor. The uses of electroplating are 
constantly extending. Where profit 
in a pecuniary sense is not desired, 
it can be made a source of endless 
amusement and instruction. 

COINS, MEDALS, CASTS 



AND ALL KINDS OF 

CHEAP JEWELRY 

Method of Gilding Inside Work. are made by this processs. Jewel- 
ers can do their own gold and silver 
plating. Manufacturers, dealers and others can do their own nickel 
plating and copper bronzing. 

Anew book, "GOLD, SILVER AND NICKEL PLAT- 
ING- MADE EASY," giving the most clear and minute instructions, 
also containing estimates and price lists of all articles used by electro- 
platers and gilders for the guidance of amateurs and learners, accompanies 
each apparatus, or will be sent, postage paid, to any address on receipt of 
25 cents in currency or one cent postage stamps. r 

Address all orders to . 




THE ART OF COLD, SILVER, AND 
NICKEL PLATING. 



THE THEORY OF THE ELECTROTYPE PROCESS. 

The electrotype process may be defined generally as the art 
of depositing metals upon suitable surfaces by means of a cur- 
rant of voltaic electricity. What voltaic electricity is, and how 
it acts in producing metallic deposits, may be easily shown by a 
few simple experiments. 



FIG.!. 




Place a clean slip of zinc — say a couple of inches long and an 
inch wide — upon your tongue, and a silver coin — a dime for in- 
stance — under it, taking care not to let the metals touch each 
other. As long as the coin and the zinc are separated, no per- 
ceptible effect is produced ; but allow them to touch each* 
other, as shewn in Fig; 1, and you will experience a peculiar 
tingling sensation in the tongue, accompanied by a metallic 
or saline taste. These sensations are repeated as often as the 
two metals are joined or separated. 

In this simple experiment lies the whole principle of the 
production of voltaic electricity, and the effects experienced 
depends on the following laws: 

I. Whenever two different metals are placed in a liquid and 
joined, electricity is generated on the surface of that metal 
which is most easily acted upon by the liquid, and flowsL 
toward the other. For example, in the present case the zincismore 
easily acted upon by the saliva then the silver, the consequence 
being that a current of electricity starts from the surface of the 
zinc, travels through the saliva and the tongue to the silver, 
and so round to the zinc again, in the direction of the arrows in 
Fig. 1. In passing through the tongue, the current stimu)ates 
the nerves of that organ, and slightly decomposes the saliva, 
giving rise to the sensations already described. 

It will be as well to impress firmly on your mind the course 



10 

taken by the current, as yon will find this knowledge exceed- 
ingly useful in future experiments. The positions of the 
metals may of course be reversed without in any way altering 
the effects of the experiment. 

By varying this simple experiment in one or two ways, we 
may gain a little more information on the subject. 

Wash the mouth out with salt and water, and repeat the ex- 
periment. You will now find that the sensations you formerly 
felt are increased, owing to the fact of the salt and water act- 
ing more energetically on the zinc than plain saliva, and conse- 
quently producing a stronger current of electricity. This ex- 
periment enables us to lay down another law : 

II. The stronger the chemical action on the zinc, the greater 
is the amount of electricity produced. Secondly, we may sub- 
stitute a piece of gold or lead lor the silver coin. In the case of 
the gold, we shall find an increase of electrical power, while with 
the lead we shall find, on the contrary, a decrease. The reason 
of these changes will require a little explanation. 

I have before said, and we have found it to be true by the 
first experiment, that when zinc is acted upon by a liquid it 
throws off a current of electricity. Now, this is not only true of 
zinc, but also of iron, lead, silver, gold, and all other metals, 
but to a much less extent. When, therefore, a plate of lead is 
used with the zinc, the saliva acts on both, a strong current of 
electricity being set up by the zinc, and an opposition weak one 
by the lead ; the real value of the zinc current is consequently 
reduced by that flowing from the lead. With silver, the oppo- 
sition current is still less, silver being only very slightly influ- 
enced by the saliva ; while with gold, which is practically un- 
affected, we obtain the zinc current in its fullest intensity, with 
scarcely any diminution or drawback. 

We can now lay down a third law : 

III. That the most energetic effect is produced when the 
two metals used differ as widely as possible in their capacity for 
being acted upon by the liquid in which they are immersed. 

The following list of common metals, arranged in the order 
in which they are acted upon by dilute sulphuric acid, will en- 
able us to see this a little more clearly : 

Gold , Imperceptibly. 

Platinum Hardly at all. 

Silver Very slightly indeed. 

Coppee Very slightly. 

Tin Slightly. 

Lead Somewhat strongly. 

Iron Strongly. 

Zinc , Very strongly. 

Potassium Very strongly indeed. 



11 



If, therefore, we wish to make the strongest possible voltaic 
pair that the above metals will afford, we should use gold and 
potassium ; but as these metals are exceedingly dear, we use 
zinc in combination with platinum, silver, or copper, according 
to circumstances. 

There is one substance, however, which beats even gold when 
used with zinc, and that is carbon or charcoal, which, although 
not a metal, acts as one in a voltaic combination. This may be 
tried by using a piece of well-burned charcoftl instead of a silver 
coin, as in our first experiment. 

Here, then, we have all the conditions heretofore laid down 
for forming a voltaic pair : 

First, a plate of metal, such as zinc, which is easily acted on 
chemically ; secondly, another plate of metal, such as platinum, 
silver, or copper, which is attacked with great difficulty ; 
thirdly, a liquid such as saliva, water, solution of salt, or of 
some acid, to act upon the zinc ; and lastly, a vessel of some 
kind — preferably not the mouth — to contain the whole. 

These conditions are admirably fulfilled in the zinc and pla- 
tinized silver battery which is known by the name of its in- 
ventor, Mr. Alfred Smee, of which the following is a descrip- 
tion : 



SMEE BATTERY. 



fig, 3. 



FIC.2. 



E1 



X* 



P* 




Side View. 



End View. 



Fig. 2 is a frame, F F' F" F", containing a sheet of plat- 
inized silver, P, to which is attached a binding screw, S (not 
shown in Fig. 3), into which may be fastened a wire. Fig. 3 
shows the frame in section, with the zinc plates attached. Z Z 
are the zinc plates, ( not shown in Fig. 2,) which are kept in their 
places by the clamp, C (not shown in Fig. 2). On the top of 
the clamp is another binding screw, S\ which serves to hold 
another wire. The whole is immersed in the jar, J (not shown 
in Fig. 2), which contains sulphuric acid and water. 



12 

Here we have the perfect representation of the voltaic pair we 
formed in the first experiment, only we have a convenient ves- 
sel instead of our mouth, and solution of sulphuric acid instead 
of saliva. We also have the power of prolonging our plates by 
means of binding screws and wires, so that we may lead the 
force generated by the zinc in any direction we please. For 
instance, if you place the two wires in your mouth, you will 
notice the same sensations as in our first experiment, but in an 
increased degree. 

It may possibly puzzle you to understand why two plates of 
zinc are used instead of only one, and also how it is that the 
current only passes when the zinc and silver plates are con- 
nected. The following explanation will make this clear to you. 
"When a plate of zinc is immersed — say, in dilute acid — electric- 
ity is immediately generated on both of its surfaces; but if 
there be nothing to collect and convey this electricity away, it 
remains where it is. If, however, a plate of some other metal is 
placed in the liquid, it collects the electricity generated by the 
zinc; but even now the current will not flow except communi- 
cation through a conductor be made between the plate and the 
zinc. 

Ooing back to our first experiment, let us see what happened. 
You first laid the zinc on your tongue ; but although chemical 
action took place, you felt no electrical current, neither did you 
-when the dime was placed under it ; and it was not until the 
<lime and the zinc touched that you experienced any manifesta- 
tion of electricity. 

As it is the surfaces of the plates that are concerned in gener- 
ating or collecting the current produced, we prefer in the bat- 
tery I am describing to make the platinized silver — which is 
-very much dearer than the zinc — do double work, and collect 
electricity on both its surfaces. We consequently use two 
plates of zinc, so that there may be electricity generated on both 
sides of the platinum plate. 

Here, then, are two more important facts for you to recollect : 
tost, that no electricity passes until the two plates are con- 
nected, either by their free ends, as in our first experiment, or 
"by wires, as in all ordinary batteries, when it instantly begins 
circling round and round until all the zinc is dissolved, or the 
acid becomes so weak as to act on it no longer ; secondly, that 
it is on the surface of the - zinc next the inactive collecting plate 
that the current of electricity is produced. In the present in- 
stance we might make one zinc plate give out electricity from 
both of its surfaces by using two plates of platinized silver; but 
as that material is worth some hundred times as much as the 
zinc, it is better, as I have before said, to make the dear material 
do the double work. 
It is hardly necessary for me to say that the amount of elec- 



13 

trical effect that may be produced by a zinc plate is entirely in 
proportion to its surface, and has nothing to do with its thick- 
ness. Thus the thin platinized silver plate is just as effective as 
if it were half an inch thick. In the case of the zinc, we use 
pretty thick plates, simply because they take longer to dissolve 
away than thin ones. 

The ordinary commercial ziDC used for batteries is very im- 
pure. It contains numerous particles of lead, iron, and carbon, 
which set up little opposition voltaic currents on their own ac- 
count as soon as the plate is immersed in the acid. To obviate 
this, the zinc has to undergo the process of amalgamation by 
being rubbed over with mercury before it is fit for use. The 
mercury forms with the zinc a semi-fiuid compound, which 
spreads over the surface, and covers up the little particles of 
other metals, and prevents them from being acted on by the 
acid. The process of amalgamating the zinc is very simple, and 
will be described further on. 

Having now made ourselves pretty well acquainted with the 
construction and action of the voltaic battery, we will make a few 
experiments on its effects. In our first experiment we found that 
the saliva on our tongue was slightly decomposed. The decompo- 
sition of substances through which the current passes is one of 
the most characteristic effects of the voltaic battery, The Smee's 
pair, already described, has hardly power enough to effect the de- 
composition of water — that is to say, to separate it into its compon- 
ent gases, oxygen and hydrogen; but there are other substances 
so easy of decomposition that we may decompose them with our 
slip of zinc and dime. 

Dissolve a few crystals of sulphate of copper, which is com- 
posed of copper, oxygen, and sulphuric acid, in a cup of water; 
throw into it a silver coin, and leave it there for a few moments. 
On lifting it out, the- coin is as bright as it was before. But create 
an electric current through the sulphate of copper solution by 
touching the coin with a slip of zino as it lies at the bottom of 
the cup, and you will shortly find a deposit of metallic copper 
covering the silver. By immersing the zinc in the sulphate of 
copper solution we have created a current of electricity, which 
passes through the liquid, decomposing it, the copper going to 
the silver, and the other components of the sulphate of copper 
— sulphuric acid and oxygen — going to the^zinc, which is gradu- 
ally dissolved. 

Now we may do precisely the same thing with our Smee's pair. 
We may conduct the electricity generated by means of wires into 
a solution of sulphate of copper, and decompose it, one wire 
becoming coated with copper like the dime, and the ether be- 
coming oxidized, and dissolving in the liberated sulphuric 
acid. 



14 



Next we may attach to one wire a coin, to the other a piece of 
copper, to supply the place of that deposited on the coin, and 
we may allow the current to pass until the deposit on the coin 
is thick enough to remove; or, lastly, we may substitute for the 
coin a wax mould, made conductible by black lead, and so 
obtain an electrotype copy of it in copper. 

Here, then, we have the whole theory of electrotyping, and we 
have arrived at it in a truly philosophical manner, beginning 
with one simple experiment with the zinc and dime, and work- 
ing gradually onwards step by step. 

I will now describe to you what is known as the single-cell 
Daniell's battery — a form of voltaic combination much used by 
beginners. 

It may have occurred to you while endeavoring to coat your 
dime with copper that a piece of zinc, with a wire attached to it 
carrying a black-leaded mould, might be immersed in a jar of 
sulphate of copper solution, and constitute a rude electrotype 
apparatus. Such an idea would be perfectly correct in theory, 
but in practice you would find that the zinc itself would in turn 
become coated with copper, and that very soon all action would 
cease. Provide some means, however, by which the zinc would 
be protected from the action of the sulphate of copper, and we 
get a very efficient apparatus for ordinary purposes. The fol- 
lowing is a description of the ordinary single-cell Daniell, which 
is so much used for electrotyping small objects. But I would 
advise you most strongly to put your trust entirely in Smee. 
The Daniell is certainly cheaper at first, but the continual break 
age of porous pots, and the uncertainty with which it works, 
render it dearer in the end. 

It consists (Fig. 4) of a jar, J, containing a 
porous pot, P, within which is placed a cylinder 
of zinc. Z, To this is attached by means of a bind- 
ing screw, B, a wire, W, carrying the black-lead- 
ed mould, M. The outer jar is filled with a solu- 
tion of sulphate of copper, and porous pot with 
dilute sulphuric acid. You will, no doubt, at 
once think that this cannot be a voltaic pair 
generating a current of electricity, there being 
no inactive plate to collect the electricity deve- 
loped by the zinc ; but a little reflection will 
show you that the black-leaded mould is the col- 
lecting plate in this instance, becoming covered 
with copper as long as the current flows. A lit- 
tle more reflection is liable to raise a new diffi- 
culty as to the possibility of the electricity generated by the zinc 
passing through the porous pot, which is a non-conducting 
material ; but if we only consider that the two liquids pass 
through the pores of the clay, and mix together very slowly, the 
difficulty vanishes, . 




15 

One more explanation, and I am done with theory. In using 
the Smee with a separate cell, it often puzzles one to know upon 
which wire to hang the mold ; but if we only take the trouble to 
trace the course of the current, and to recollect that it is at that 
particular spot where the current leaves the liquid that the metal 
is deposited, you will have no difficulty in remembering to 
which wire to attach your mould. 

The following diagrams show the course taken by the current 
in the electrotyping arrangements that we have been con- 
sidering, beginning with the zinc and dime. 

In Figure 5 it begins at the zinc, passes 
through the sulphate of copper solution into the 
coin, leaving a deposit of copper behind it, and 
so upwards into the zinc again. 

In Fig. 6 it begins with the zinc, and travels 
through the sulphuric acid solution, sulphate 
of copper, black-leaded mould, copper wire, 
and binding screw, to the zinc once more. 

FIG.S 



FIG.5 





si 


t 


| 
1 S 


■i 



Let us now sum up the theory of the electrotype process. 

I. — When a plate of zinc is immersed in a liquid which acts 
upon it chemically, electricity is developed on the surface of the 
metal. 

II. — If you place opposite to the zinc another metal only 
slightly acted on by the liquid, and connect it with the zinc by 
means of a wire, the electricity developed by the zinc is set in 
motion, and a current is generated which lasts until chemical 
action ceases, 

III. — When a current of electricity is passed through a liquid, 
the liquid is decomposed, provided the current is sufficiently 
strong. 

IV. — If the solution through which the current passes contains 
a metal, it will be deposited at the point where the current 
passes out of the solution. 

V. — the electric current will pass with more or less facility 
through all metals, charcoal, black lead, and most liquids, 
but nearly all other substances interrupt its passage. Bodies of 



16 

the first kind are called conductors, the rest non-conductors. 
So much for the theoryof the electrotype process, without some 
knowledge of which no one can hope to succeed in obtaining good 
results. 

THE PRACTICE. 

One of the first things the electrotyper will have to practise 
is the art of making moulds of the objects he wishes to repro- 
duce. When first the electrotype process was discovered, the 
electrotyper was obliged to confine himself to the use of moulds 
in metal, it being erroneously supposed that deposition would 
only take place on metallic surfaces; the discovery, however, 
that any surface well rubbed with plumbago or black lead was 
thereby made conducting, freed the art at once from many of 
its trammels and enabled the operator to use almost any ma- 
terial that would take a sharp impression of the object he de- 
sired to copy. 

For seals, coins, and medals, nothing is better than ordinary 
white wax of good quality mixed with a little flake white. We 
will suppose, if you please, that you are desirous of making a 
copy of the Goddess of Liberty on the back of the fifty cent 
piece. 

The first thing to do is to procure good wax. The common 
white wax sold at the oil-stores is generally adulterated with 
tallow or fat, and is a soft yielding material, utterly unfitted for 
the purposes of the electrotyper. You had better purchase 
your wax from the apparatus maker who supplies you with your 
battery; you will pay perhaps a higher price, but you will have 
the satisfaction of getting an article that is reliable. This re- 
mark will apply to nearly all the materials that you are likely to 
use. 

As a rule, wax works much better when mixed with about 
one-twentieth of its weight of flake white, which may be pur- 
chased at an oil-store very cheaply. Put the wax into an ordi- 
nary earthen pipkin, and place it near a rather low, clear fire, 
free from smoke, taking care that the heat is only just sufiicient 
to allow the wax to melt. When quite liquid throw in one- 
twentieth of its weight of flake white, and stir the whole with a 
glass rod or clean tobacco-pipe stem. When fully mixed pour 
the wax out on a clean plate, and, when cool, chop it up into 
little pieces and re-melt it. Repeat the cooling and melting 
once more, and the mixture is ready for use. You need not be 
particular about adhering to the exact proportions of wax and 
flake white given above; for instance, a quarter of a pound of 
the former and a quarter of an ounce of the latter form an ex- 
cellent compound, are easy quantities to purchase, and conse- 
quently save the trouble of weighing. Of course it is better to 



17 

make a large quantity of the mixture at onoe and keep it in 
cakes ready for use. 

The coin from which you are about to take a cast should be 
rubbed over with a smail quantity of sweet oil, taking care that 
it penetrates into all the finer parts of the work. As much as 
possible of the superfluous oil is then removed with a pledget of 
cotton wool the fine details| being cleared with an ordinary 
sable or camel's hair pencil. The object of oiling the medal is 
to prevent the wax from sticking to it by the interposition of a 
very thin film of greasy matter. 

You next surround the coin with a slip of thin card, about an 
inch or an inch and a half in width, and of sufficient length to 
overlap about an inch. Wrapping the card round the coin, mark 
with a pencil the line where the edge overlaps. You now tack 
together the top and bottom of the cardboard hoop with a needle 
and thread, so as to form a little cell for the reception of the 
coin, which will be retained in its place by the natural spring of 
the card. If the coin is heavy it will be better to wind some 
thread round the whole, so as to make assurance doubly sure. 
It is almost unnecessary to warn you against touching the face 
of the coin with the finger, as you will no doubt have guessed 
that the slightest mark will appear in the electrotype copy. 

Having melted sufficient wax for the purpose you require, heat 
the coin by placing it on the stove, or holding it over a gas or 
candle flame, until it is just warm enough to prevent the hot 
wax from being suddenly chilled when poured upon it, and yet 
it must not be so hot as to dissipate the film of oil with which it 
is covered. The coin is now held steadily in the left hand and 
slightly sloping in that direction, in order that the melted wax 
may flow over the surface evenly and gradually. Pour in the 
wax gently and continuously until it rises nearly to the top of 
the cardboard. The whole is now put aside to cool, an operation 
that will take at least two hours ; in fact, it is almost better to 
make the moulds over night and allow them to cool until the 
next morning. When the wax has become solid the threads 
fastening the card may be snipped and the cardboard peeled off 
— the mould, with the coin adhering to it, being placed aside in 
a cold place. 

At first you will find some difficulty in getting perfect impres- 
sions, but the failure can only result from three causes. First, 
air bubbles may be formed through the coin being too cold, 
pouring the wax with an unsteady hand, or from too great a 
height, secondly, the wax may adhere to the mold so firmly as 
to resist all endeavors to separate them without destroying the 
impression, a misfortune that can only arise from not having 
left sufficient oil upon the coin; thirdly, the impression may 
be blurred and indistinct through the use of too much oil. 

An excellent way to obtain a good impression of a coin, medal 



18 

or like object, which will be found less tedious, is to melt your 
wax in a shallow vessel ; set it aside to cool ; meanwhile oil your 
object. When the wax has become pretty hard lay the object on 
the wax and squeeze it down with a carpenter's clamp. In this 
way we have obtained good sharp impressions. 

Having perfected yourself in the art of casting from metal you 
should next try to. cast from plaster. This is a somewhat diffi- 
cult operation, but it is one to be learned — plaster copies of 
some of the finest works in the way of coins and medals being 
procurable at the Italian image-shops for a few cents. Having 
everything ready for casting, place the plaster impression, face 
upwards, in a saucer containing sufficient hot water to rise to 
half the height of the cast. Watch the surface of the plaster un- 
til it just begins to look wet. It is then taken out of the water, 
surrounded with cardboard, as in the case of the coin, and cast 
from in precisely the same way. Here, again, judgment is re- 
quired; for if the plaster is made too wet the impression will be 
blurred, if it has sucked up too little water it will absorb the wax 
when poured upon it. Some electrotypers saturate the plaster 
with oil, but this method, although good for casting, spoils the 
appearance of the original cast. However, the best thing to 
do is to experiment upon both processes and choose the one that 
gives the best result. 

If you cannot get the cake wax a good substitute will be found 
in wax candles; this will be found easy to work in as the mold 
does not stick so much. 

Before commencing electrotyping it will be as well for you to 
practise casting until you have acquired the method of producing 
good impressions of all sizes, and from both plaster and metal. 
In fact you may accumulate casts during the time that you are 
saving up your dimes to buy your apparatus. Too many begin- 
ners electrotype from bad casts, the results being of course bad 
copies, to say nothing of the waste of time and material. 

Your next step will be to set youi battery at work. In all 
probability the zinc plates will have been amalgamated by the 
maker; but whether they have or not, it will be as well for you 
to perform the process upon them. 

Make a mixture of one part by measure of sulphuric acid and 
four of water, taking care to pour in the acid last. The acid 
must be poured into the water very gently, otherwise so much 
heat is produced that the mixture spirts over the hands and 
clothes. Sulphuric acid, or oil of vitriol, as it is generally called, 
is exceedingly poisonous and corrosive. Whatever it falls upon 
it destroys; and although there is but little fear of any person 
drinking it, it should always be kept strictly under lock and 
key, 

The mixture of sulphuric acid and water having become cold 
—for no matter how cautiously you pour the acid in, a certain 



19 

amount of heat will always be generated — pour it into a plate 
or saucer, and place the zinc plates in it for half a mioute or so 
if the plate has been amalgamated, or for a longer time if it has 
not. In the latter case, it should remain in the acid until it 
looks pretty clear. You will do well to notice the little bubbles 
that form upon the zinc, and rise to the surface in thousands. 
These are caused by numberless little voltaic pairs that are 
formed between the zinc and the particles of foreign metals with 
which it it is contaminated. Every one of these decomposes 
the water into oxygen and hydrogen, the former gas uniting 
with the zinc and becoming dissolved in the acid liquid, and 
the latter effervescing off in little bubbles like champagne. This 
does not occur with zinc which has been amalgamated. The zinc 
is lifted out of the acid, and a small quantity of mercury is 
poured upon it and gently rubbed over the surface with a 
piece of rag, taking care not to let the acid touch the lingers, for 
although it will not do them any harm, it is apt to produce dirty 
stains that take a long time wearing out. You may, if you like, 
make a little rubber by stuffiing a piece of rag into a clean to- 
bacco pipe bowl, reserving the stem for stirring your solution. 
As soon as the zinc is perfectly bright in every part the super- 
fluous mercury should be removed with the rubber, and the 
plate washed in clean water and wiped. It generally happens 
that with new plates there are certain spots that will not amal- 
gamate, in which case the plate should be returned to the acid 
solution until they take the mercury as readily as any other 
part. It often puzzles young beginners to know when these 
plates wants re-amalgamating : to this query one might really 
reply by saying — always; in fact, the zinc plates used by some 
of the electric telegraph companies always stand in a little gutta- 
percha trough of mercury, so that the metal very gradually 
creeps up their surfaces; You may easily tell if a plate requires 
re-amalgamation or not by lifting it out of the cell, washing it 
in plenty of cold water, and pouring on it, when dry, a few 
drops of mercury. If the mercury Sows readily over the surface 
the plate is still in working order; if, on the contrary, the mer- 
cury refuses to unite with the zinc, you may know that re-amal- 
gamation is necessary. 

For using the battery, two solutions are required — one solution 
of sulphuric acid, for creating chemical action, and, consequent- 
ly, electricity on the surface of the zinc; the other a so- 
lution of sulphate of copper, from which we are to draw our 
supply of metal for covering our mould. 

The acid solution for exciting the zinc is made by mixing one 
measure of sulphuric acid with twelve of water, care being taken 
to add the acid last, as when you were amalgamating. An egg 
cup forms an excellent measure for this purpose* and any quan- 
tity may be made at a time by adhering to the proportions given 



20 

above. It is a good thing to keep a stock in hand, in a large 
bottle, so that the acid solution in the battery may be changed 
at a moment's notice. Some operators have a slovenly habit of 
pouring strong acid into the spent solution, the result being 
that they get themselves into most unexpected difficulties. 
When the exciting solution is exhausted, it should be thrown 
away and replaced- from your stock. Sulphuric acid is very 
cheap, a pound weight of it being sufficient to make five pints 
of solution. 

The sulphate of copper solution is made by pouriug boiling - 
water on a quantity of the salt— say a pint of the former upon a 
pound of the latter. The solution should be well stirred with a 
glass rod or tobacco pipe stem, in order that the water may dis- 
solve as much as possible of the salt. When perfectly cold pour 
off the blue solution from the undissolved sulphate of copper 
(which should be reserved for future use), and add to it one- 
fourth of its bulk of the dilute sulphuric acid you use for excit- 
ing your plates. The acid is added in order to increase the 
power of the solution for conducting electrical currents, as it is a 
better conductor than either water or sulphate of copper solution 
Sulphate of copper, blue vitriol or blue stone, is generally met 
with in a pretty pure, state. The solution it forms is sometimes 
cloudy at first, but subsidence and careful decantation easily 
remedy this evil. 

We have now prepared our molds, zinc plates and solutions, 
and need only render the surface of the wax capable of conduct- 
ing electricity to begin operations. This is effected by first 
gently wiping the wax impression with a tuft of cotton wool, to 
remove any dust or oil that may be on its surface, and then ap- 
plying black lead to it with a soft plate brush until a black and 
brilliant gloss is produced. The brush should not be too hard, 
or the face of the mould will suffer; and the best black lead, 
bought at the instrument-maker's, should alone be used. The 
common quality, sold at the stores for domestic purposes, is 
quite useless, being generally adulterated with gritty matter. 
Black lead, or plumbago, was atone time supposed to be a com- 
pound of iron; but modern research has proved that it is non- 
metallic in Its nature, being a peculiar form of carbon — the 
chemical name for pure charcoal. It may interest you to know 
that coke, lamp-black, charcoal, black lead, and diamond are 
only different forms of carbon. Plumbago, though not metal 
is an excellent conductor of electricity, and an electric telegram 
might be sent through a series of black lead pencils as easily as 
through an iron wire. The surface of the mold, therefore, 
when well brushed over with plumbago, becomes just as great a 
conductor of electricity as if it were gilt or silvered. You must 
be very careful to use sufficient black lead, so as to produce a 
continuous coating — indeed, it is hardly possible to use too 



21 

much. The edges of the mould should be black-leaded about 
half way down, but the back, of course, is left in its natural con- 
dition. 

Nothing now remains but to connect the mold with the battery 
and see the latter in action. 

Supposing you are using a single-cell Daniell, pour the sul- 
phate of copper solution into the outer jar until it reaches 
within an inch of the top, and place the porous cell in it. Pour 
the acid solution into the latter, taking care that the two solu- 
tions are level with each other, Next slightly warm the wire con- 
nected with the zinc, and insert it in the edge of the wax mould 
about half way between the back and front. When cool, make 
the electrical connection between the wire and the mould contin- 
uous by black-leading the point of the junction vigorously. 
Bend the wire into the shape of a long f\, so that the face of the 
mould may be opposite the middle of the flat part of the zinc 
plate, and as near to it as possible. Immerse the zinc in 
the porous tube, and, if necessary, bring the mould nearer to it 
by bending the wire. The mould may possibly carry down with 
it a number of little bubbles of air, but these may be generally 
got rid of by tapping the wire with a key or knife. If they 
should resist this treatment, the mould must be moved up and 
down until they disappear; for if allowed to remain, you will 
find perfect copies of them on the surface of your electrotype. 
A little muslin bag of crystals of sulphate of copper should be 
hung just below the top of the copper solution so that the supply 
may be kept up. 

If everything has gone right, metallic copper of a beautiful 
rose tint will gradually spread over the mould, beginning with 
the part in connection with the wire, and by degrees covering 
the whole of the black-leaded surfaces. The deposition does 
not begin immediately, but when once it commences, it goes on 
continuously as long as any is generated. The mould may be 
lifted out and the deposit examined with impunity, as long as 
it is not touched with the fingers. The amount of time neces- 
sary for the deposition varies with the size of the mould and the 
power of the battery, from twenty-four to forty-eight hours, or 
even longer. ' If the time is extended beyond twenty-four hours 
it is better, if the mould is large, to pour away the acid solution 
in the porous tube, and replenish it from stock. 

Let me here say that every time you replenish the solution in 
the porous cell you should brush off the black fur that has 
formed upon the zinc, otherwise your battery will not work 
well. 

When the deposit is sufficiently thick, the cast may be re- 
moved and another substituted for it. If you are careful you 
may remove the electrotype from the mould without injuring it; 
so that after being freshly black-leaded it may be used 
again. 



22 

If a Smee's battery is used, the copper solution is poured into 
a separate vessel. An ordinary jelly-jar answers the purpose. 
This separate vessel is termed the decomposing cell. The bat- 
ery is excited with the dilute sulphuric acid as for the Daniell. 
You must take care that the ends of the screws and wires that 
come into contact are kept clean and bright, otherwise the cur- 
rent is greatly enfeebled. The battery being filled with 
the dilute acid, the wire from the zinc is attached to the mould 
as before. The wire from the silver is fastened to a piece of 
copper plate about twice the size of the mould to be covered. 
The two wires are then bent over so that the copper plate 
and mould may be exactly facing each other, and about an inch 
apart. 

As the copper plate dissolves away, it must be replaced by a 
fresh onp. You must also recollect that every grain of copper 
dissolved is reproduced on the mould; so that there is no ne- 
cessity in having a bag of crystals in the solutions, as in the 
case of the Daniell arrangement. 

The battery solution should be changed every forty-eight 
hours or so. 

At first, no doubt, the young'electrotyper will succeed in ob- 
taining excellent results; but as he continues his experiments 
he will find that instead of getting a nice, even flexible coating 
of metallic copper, he will obtain either a crystalline, brittle de- 
posit, or else a dirty brown powder forms on the surface of the 
mould . These failures occur from the electrical current being 
either too weak or too strong. 

If all is not going well the best thing to do is to re-amalga- 
mate the zinc plates and change the exciting solution. If these 
remedies do not have the desired effect we must examine the 
result and endeavor to discover in what particular we have 
failed. 

I. — The copper deposit refuses to cover the whole of the 
mould; 

This generally arises from there being a deficiency of black 
lead on the surface of the wax. The remedy is obviously to lift 
out the mould, wash it in clean water, dry it carefully with blot- 
ting paper, and black lead it afresh. There is, of course, no 
need to remove any of the copper that has already formed, as it 
will unite with the new deposit. It may as well be mentioned 
that this failure is one of the most common with beginners. 

II. — The copper deposits in the form of a dark brown pow- 
der. 

This is caused by the electrical current being too strong for 
the size of the mould. The remedy is manifestly to lessen the 
amount of electricity received by the mould which may be done 
In several ways: 

(a) By pouring away some of the acid solution, and so less- 
ening the surface of zinc acted upon. 



23 

(b.) By separating the mould and the zinc by a greater 
interval in the case of the Daniell, or by removing it to a great- 
J er distance from the copper plate, when using the Smee's arrange- 
ment. This has the eftect of giving the electrical current a 
larger mass of liquid to traverse, causing some of it to be lost in 
the way. 

(c. ") By diminishing the size of the copper plate when using 
the Smee. 

This cause of failure frequently happens when the reproduc- 
tion of small seals are the object of our labors. The batteries 
described are sufficiently powerful to deposit copper on a mould 
as large as two inches square or even larger. ADy mould 
smaller, will generally require the power of the battery to be 
diminished before a good result can be obtained ; or, when the 
moulds are small, several may be attached to the same wire. 

III. — The copper deposits in a brittle crystalline mass. 

The remedies for this failure are so exactly the reverse of those 
to be applied in the second case that it would only be wasting 
valuable time to detail them. In cold weather the deposit 
sometimes becomes brittle from the action of the acid solution 
in the zinc being slightly diminished, the apparatus should 
therefore be kept at a little distauce from the fire. This des- 
cription of failure may also occur from the connecting wires not 
being clean and bright when they touch the binding screws, or 
from the screws not being screwed sufficiently tight. 

You will see that I have given you examples of every kind of 
failure that can occur, with several remedies to be applied in 
eacm case. 

The choice of these must be left to your own good judgment. 
One good rule to bear in mind is that the surface of the zinc 
acted upon should never be more than three, or at most four 
times that of the medal to be copied. If this rule is adhered to 
and the directions for preparing and renewing the solutions 
are complied with, there is really hardly a possibility of fail- 
ure. 

Having succeeded in obtaining a deposit of • sufficient thick- 
ness, the copper impression is carefully removed from the 
mould, trimmed with a sharp pair of scissors and a fine cut file, 
and well washed with soap and water and a soft brush. It may 
then be cleaned with a little rotten-stone, or fine whiting made 
in.o a paste with water, a soft clean piece of chamois leather 
being used to give it a final polish. 

The bright copper surface thus obtained is very beautiful, but 
it unfortunately soon becomes tarnished by exposure to the air, 
except, indeed, it be kept in an air tight case. It is advisable, 
therefore, to give it an artificial tarnish, so to speak, in order to 
allow it to be exposed with impunity. This is effected by th 
use of a bronzing liquid. Of these there are great numbers in 
use. Orje of the best is that recommended by Walker. 



24= 

Boil for a quarter of an hour in an earthen pipkin a gill of 
good vinegar, one ounce of carbonate of ammonia, and an ounce 
of verdigris; the two last ingredients being reduced to powder 
previously. Then mix in a separate vessel, a drachm of sal- 
ammoniac and ten grains of oxalic acid in another gill of vinegar. 
When the sal-ammoniac and the oxalic acid are dissolved mix 
the two solutions and boil for five minutes. When cold, pour 
off the clear liquid and preserve in a well-corked bottle. It is 
used by being brushed well over the medal several times, the 
latter being heated over a lamp or candle between each appli- 
cation. The depth of color obtained by by this method is very 
fine. 

Enough now has been said to enable the veriest tyro to carry 
on the electrotype process with success. If, after all, failure 
should be the result, it will be, I fear, the consequence of the 
lack of one of the following good qualities — patience, exactitude, 
judgment and perseverance. 

NICKEL PLATING. 

A Wobd to Those not Familiar with the Art of Nickel Plat- 
ing. — The same methods and agents are employed for depositing 
Gold, Silver, Copper and Nickel — each metal requiring a like 
solution and anode. 

The deposition of the three first metals has already become 
one of the most important industries of the day; but Nickel hav- 
ing been a rare metal, of limited supply, its valuable qualities 
have been but little known by metal workers therefore its dep- 
osition has been practiced much less than the deposition of the 
other metals. But when it becomes generally known that Nickel 
is a brilliant, ductile and magnetic metal, that its tenacity is 
much greater than iron, is not tarnished by exposure to the air 
or moisture, and resists like gold or platinum, the attacks of 
sulphur and highly corrosive metallic solutions, withstands the 
action of heat resists wear and abrasion to a much greater de- 
gree than silver, and is of nearly the same color, it must neces- 
sarily become more extensively used for electro-plating than 
any of the other metals. 

In answer to the many inquiries we have from those inexper- 
ienced, we would say that the preparations necessary to com- 
mence Nickel Plating are simple and inexpensive ^ With a 
small battery of two cells, an oblong wooden tank of size to suit 
the article to be plated, coated inside with asphalt and then 
filled with a nickel solution, nickel plates for anodes, and brass 
rods to suspend your plates and goods from, polishing and buff- 
ing lathes, with rouge and crocus, as well as vessels for an acid, 
an alkali, and a soft water bath for cleaning the work before 



25 

putting it into the solution, which is required the same as in 
silver plating and one is fitted up to commence work. 

In order to give the best results, it is necessary that the solu- 
tion should be as nearly neutral as possible, and the double 
sulphate of nickel and ammonia is more generally preferred as 
being the most reliable and practical, giving a softer metal de- 
posit and smoother surface which can be polished more readily 
than that obtained from other solutions. Dissolve f lb. of the 
double sulphate ot nickel and ammonia to each gallon of pure 
water, and the solution is ready for use. The specific gravity 
of the solution should be kept up to about six degrees of hydro- 
meter. 

When using a solution prepared with the double sulphate of 
nickel and ammonia, a solid, coherent, tenacious and flexible 
nickel can be deposited to any desired amount, thus rendering 
the electro-deposition of nickel piactically valuable. 

The metal deposited from the double sulphate of nickel and 
ammonia gives the full equivalent of metal for the electricity 
employed. If with this solution a battery power is used of an 
intensity of two groove cells, or thereabouts, a white deposit is 
obtained. The use of a battery of too high an intensity should 
be avoided. It is important that the depositing shall not be 
forced by the use of too strong a current. 

The anode of the depositing cell should present a surface to 
the action of the solution somewhat larger than the surface upon 
which the deposit is being made — particularly in the double 
sulphate solution. The reason is that nickel dissolves so slowly 
that if the exposed surface is not larger than the surface on 
which the deposit is made, the solution will not keep saturated. 

"With pure solutions and sufficient anode surface, the depos- 
ition of nickel can be carried on continuuusly and as surely and 
certainly, as the deposition of copper from the common sulphate 
solutions. 

Napier, in his Manual of Electro-metallurgy, speaks of nickel 
coating; that it is very easily deposited and may be prepared 
for this purpose by dissolving it in nitric acid, then adding cy- 
anide of potassium to precipitate the metal, after which the pre- 
cipitate is washed and dissolved by the addition of more cyanide 
of potassium. The cyanide of potash has proved unsuitable for 
nickel plating; he says that he has coated articles with nickel in 
1847, and up to 1853, they still retained their brilliancy and con- 
tinued untarnished. Napier gives also the following practical 
instructions for plating. It is indispensable that the battery 
should be so arranged that the quantity of electricity generated 
should correspond with the surface of the article to be coated, 
and that the intensity should bear reference to the state of the 
solution, that is to say, that the quantity should be sufficient to 
give the required coating of metal in a given time, and the in- 



26 

tensity such as to cause the electricity to pass through the solu- 
tion to the articles. It is also essential that the plates of metal 
forming the positive pole with the solution should be of corre- 
sponding surface to the articles to be coated, and face them 
on both sides. The main condition of nickel plating lies in these 
points: 1. To have the solution always kept neutral, it is neces- 
sary to test frequently the liquid by means of litmus paper, and 
if the same indicates a prevalence of acid, to add sufficient caustic 
ammonia to make the liquor perfectly neutral; also to replace 
occasionally the consumed salts: 2. To have the materials to be 
plated always clean, which if the goods are of iron, can be done 
by dipping them in a mixture of muriatic acid and water. The 
least scratch will prevent a complete coating. 

The chloride of nickel, and ammonia is much used for plating, 
requiring but four ounces of salt to one gallon of water. 

A simple nickel-plating apparatus, likewise in full operation, 
may also be described, as very satisfactory results are daily real- 
ized : 1. A bath or vat containing \the usual nickel solution of 
double salt, three-quarter pounds to the gallon of hot water; five 
gallons is applied to the porous cell which contains the amalga- 
mated zinc pole three inches broad, seven inches deep, and seven 
inches long, but touching within one-half inch all around from 
the cell. The copper wire is connected, to hold suspended the 
articles, such as faucets, pistols, or other ware to be plated with 
nickel; the operation goes on at once, and deposits the metallic 
nickel from its solutions in the space of three to four hours. 

Nagel's Pkocess for electro-plating with nickel is based upon 
applying the double salts of sulphate of nickel and ammonia with 
the platinum positive pole. It consists in taking 400 parts of 
the sulphate of nickel and 200 parts of ammonia, dissolved in 
6000 parts of hot water, and the ammonia of 0. 900 spec, gravity, 
heated to one hundred degrees F. 

Mr. Beardslee who is unquestionably the veteran in nickel- 
plating in the United States, says that ever since 1858 he has 
coated metals with electric currents; that he;has found the chloride 
of nickel with a certain quantity of ammonia to be of great 
service. 

He attributes any failures in depositing nickel to the following 
requirements. 

1. Nickel must have a perfectly uniform and unchanging cur- 
rent of electricity ; a Smee battery with a carbon negative plate, 
gives a powerful and constant current of electricity. 

2. The nickel solutions with the chloride solutions may work 
better with acid instead of alkaline reaction; he quotes, as instan- 
ces, that he had 2,000 gallons of nickel solutions since 1868 and 
'69, in constant use without any addition, but have been corrected 
from time to time in order to give them an acid reaction, as the 
tendency in working is to become alkaline. 



27 

He uses two cells of the Smee's battery; the amount of battery- 
power required for a given amount of work to be done should be 
in zinc surface, equal to the surface to be coated. 

The surface of the nickel anode should in no case be less than 
the surface to be coated. The anode surface for a nickel solution 
may be much greater than the surface to be coated, and more 
and better work will be the result. 

For nickel solution of 40 gallons, 10 anodes of 6x12 inches 
.are required, and in proportion to the greater or less quantity of 
gallons. By estimating 1\ gn lions to each cubic foot, we can 
determine the amount of solution that will be required for a vat 
of any given size. 

The nickel anodes are connected with the negative plate of the 
battery^ which may be either the chromium or carbon plates; the 
articles to be coated are to be connected with the zinc pole of the 
battery. 

In one gallon of nickel solution, a nickel anode of 4x6 inches 
is employed for coating small articles from two one gallon cells 
of the chromium negative plate battery. 

SILVER PLATIWC. 

The most important of all the arts of electro-deposition is that 
denominated "electro-plating." This beautiful art is now 
practiced to a vast extent in the United States, and Europe. 
Articles, chiefly made ot German silver, are coated with line 
silver, and thus, to a great extent, supersede the ordinary Shef- 
field and Birmingham plate; while old articles from which the 
silver has worn off can be replated, and thus rendered equal, 
and in some instances, superior to new. 

Since the first introduction of the art, many have worked it 
with considerable success, and in the principal towns there are 
manufactories m which, annually, a vast amount of silver is 
deposited upon articles of various construction, and yet there is 
no superabundance of electro-platers ; for I believe that if there 
were ten times the number, they would all do well, and for this 
reason: — the amount of plated goods now manufactured all over 
the world, far exceeds that made in the old days of Sheffield 
and Birmingham plate; and the silver which is deposited on 
these goods must be replaced as it wears off, in the progress of 
time, by the electro-plater. Again, many persons now use plated 
German silver goods in preference to silver, either owing to their 
superior beauty, their being less tempting to the marauder, or 
more economical to purchase. And when we bear in mind the 
vast quantity of electro-plate which is to be found in the hotels, 
restaurants, and private houses in the United States — which 
is daily having its silver rubbed and scrubbed off, there is good 
reason to believe that the electro-plater's services will be exten- 



28 

sively required, in proportion as the manufacture and consump- 
tion of electro-plate progresses. 

There are many solutions employed in depositing silver upon 
various metals, from which we will select those most likely to 
succeed with the beginner and the practical man. The propor- 
tions of the materials used being the same in small or large 
operations, the manipulator may easily make- up either of the 
following solutions in any quantity he pleases, from a pint to 
1000 gallons or more. 

Silver Solutions. — In making any of these solutions, perfectly 
fine silver must be employed; or, if it is desired to use standard 
or other impure silver, it will be better to purify the silver by 
first dissolving it in nitric acid ; then add about one quart of cold 
water to the acid solution obtained from dissolving four ounces 
of silver. Now throw in a few pieces of sheet cooper to precipi- 
tate the silver. When the pure silver is thus obtained, it is to be 
again dissolved in two parts water and one part nitric acid. 

Solution I. 

Fine silver 1 ounce. 

Nitric acid about 1 „ 

Water y z „ 

Put the silver carefully into a Florence flask, and then pour in 
the acid and water; place the flask on a sand bath for a few min- 
uses, taking care not to apply too much heat, and as soon as 
chemical action becomes violent, remove the flask to a cooler 
place, and allow the action to go on until it nearly ceases; when, 
if there be silver still undissolved, the flask may be again placed 
on the sand-bath until the silver disappears. If, however, the 
acid employed has been weak, it may be necessary to add a little 
more. The red fumes formed when chemical action is going on 
disappear when the silver is dissolved or when the acid Las done 
its work. If a little black powder be visible at the bottom of the 
flask, it may be taken care of separately, as it is gold. I have 
frequently found gold in the silver purchased of a refiner; in 
some instances more than sufficient to pay the expense of the 
acid employed. 

The nitrate of silver formed during the above operation should 
be carefully poured into a porcelain capsule, and heated until a 
pellicle appears on the surface, when it may be placed aside to 
crystallize. The uncrystallized liquor should then be poured 
from the crystals into another capsule, and heat applied until it 
has evaporated sufficiently to crystallize. When this is done, 
the crystals of nitrate of silver are to be placed in a large jar or 
other suitable vessel, and about three pints of cold distilled 
water added, the whole being well stirred with a glass rod until 
the crystals are dissolved. 



29 

A quantity of carbonate of potassa is now to be dissolved in 
distilled water, and some of the solution added to the nitrate of 
silver, until no further precipitation takes place. It is advisable 
occasionally to put a little of the clear solution in a glass, or test- 
tuibe, and ip add a few drops of the solutiom of potassa, in order 
to ascertain whether all the silver is thrown down, or otherwise; 
as soon as the application of the alkaline solution produces no 
effect upon the solution of nitrate of silver, this operation is 
complete. 

The supernatant liquor (that is, the fluid which remains above 
the precipitate) should next be carefully poured off the precipi- 
tated silver, and fresh water added; this is again allowed to settle, 
and the water poured off as before, which operation should be 
repeated several times in order to wash the precipitate thor- 
oughly. 

A quantity of cyanide of potassium is then to be dissolved in 
hot or cold water, and rather more than is sufficient to dissolve 
the precipitate added. In a few minutes the carbonate of silver 
will be dissolved by the cyanide, but in all probability there will 
be a trifling sediment at the bottom of the vessel, which may be 
separated from the solution by filtration, and preserved, as in all 
probability it will contain a little silver. 

Sufficient water is now to be added to make one gallon of 
solution. Should the solution be found to work rather slowly at 
first, a little of the solution of cyanide may be added from time 
to time, as it is required ; but it is preferable, in working a new 
solution, to have as small a proportion of cyanide as possible, 
otherwise the articles may strip, but more especially if they are 
composed of German silver. 

When a silver solution has been worked for some length of 
time, it acquires organic matter, and is then capable of bearing, 
without injury, a larger proportion of cyanide. 

It is necessary that the nitric acid employed for dissolving 
silver should be of good commercial quality, if not chemically 
pure, for if it contains hydrochloric acid (which is not an unfre- 
quent adulteration), a portion of the silver dissolved will become 
precipitated in the form of a white flocculent powder (chloride 
of silver), and the success of the operation is thereby impaired. 

Solution II. — One ounce of fine silver treated as before, and 
dissolved in three pints of distilled water. Precipitate with 
common salt, and wash, as above directed. Dissolve the precipi- 
tate with a strong solution of cyanide of potassium, taking care 
not to add much more than will dissolve the chloride of silver. 
Filter carefully, at least once through the same filtering paper 
and once through clean filtering paper, and then add enough 
distilled water to make one gallon of solution. 

The above solution is very useful when it is desired to plate 
an article delicately white, but the silver is liable to strip when 



30 

the burnisher is applied to it. This solution, however, may be 
employed with less fear of the work stripping, if it be used 
weaker, with a small surface of anode and feeble battery power. 

Under all circumstances this solution is more applicable to 
surfaces which only require to be scratch-brushed, or which 
are to be left dead. Chased figures, clock-dials, cast metal work, 
etc., may be admirably plated with this solution. 

Solution III Dissolve in one gallon of water one ounce and 
a-quarter of cyanide of potassium, in a stone- ware or glass vessel. 
Filled a porous cell with some of this solution, and place it in the 
larger vessel; the solution should be the same height in both 
vessels. Then put a piece of sheet copper or iron, connected 
with the wire which proceeds from the zinc of the battery, into 
the porous cell. Place in the stone vessel a piece of stout sheet 
silver, which must be previously attached to the wire issuing from 
the copper of the battery. It is well to employ several cells 
alternated, for this purpose, when a large quantity of solution 
has to be prepared; that is to say, the zinc of one battery should 
be united by a wire with the copper of the next, and so on. In 
a few hours the solution in the larger vessel will have acquired 
sufficient silver, and the solution may be at once used. The 
porous cell is to be removed, and its contents may be thrown 
away. 

In working this solution at first it is necessary to expose a 
rather large surface of anode, and small quantities of cyanide 
must be added occasionally until the solution is in brisk working 
order. 

This is one of the best solutions, when carefully prepared, and 
is less liable to strip than many others. 

When it is desired that the articles should come out of the 
bath having a bright appearance, a little bisulphuret of carbon is 
added to the solution. This is best done in the following man- 
ner: — Put an ounce of bisulphuret of carbon into a pint bottle 
containing a strong silver solution with cyanide in excess. The 
bottle should be repeatedly shaken, and the mixture is ready for 
use in a few days. A few drops of this solution may be poured 
into the plating bath occasionally, until the work appears suffi- 
ciently bright. The bisulphuret solution, however, must be 
added with care, for an excess is apt to spoil the solution. In 
plating surfaces which cannot easily be scratch-brushed, this 
brightening process is very serviceable. The operator, however, 
must never add too much at a time. 

In making up the foregoing solutions the weights and meas- 
ures epmloyed are troy or apothecaries' weight, and imperial 
measure. 

Having at command any of the solutions described, the opera- 
tor may next arrange the battery. A plate a, a, a, or sheet of 
silver, is to be attached to the wire issuing from the copper of 
the battery b } and supported by a brass rod d : this may be done 



Si 

either by soldering them together or uniting them with a suitable 
binding screw; but the best plan of attaching the anode, or sheet 
of silver, to the copper wire is as follows: — Cut a strip to within 




half an inch or so; this strip may be united to the wire bj' a bind- 
ing screw or soldered. If cast plates of silver are used, it is 
advantageous to have them cast with an extra piece, about three 
inches long at the corners, to attach the copper wire to. 

The object in adopting either of the above arrangements is to 
prevent the copper wire entering the bath, as this is much im- 
paired by allowing the copper to be immersed in the cyanide 
solution, whether deposition is taking place or not. Copper, if 
left in the bath for any length of time, even unconnected with a 
battery, will reduce a portion of the silver from the solution, an 
equivalent of the copper taking its place. This is especially the 
case when a large quantity of free cyanide is present. 

A brass rod e, with a binding screw soldered or screwed on 
one end of it, is now attached to the negative wire of the bat- 
tery. The articles to be coated may be suspended to this rod 
by pieces of clean copper wire; the wire used for this purpose 
may be rather thin, yet sufficiently strong to bear the weight of 
the articles. The thinner the wire is the less mark will be 
made upon the articles coated — a very important consi ieration 
in some cases, especially where spoons and forks are to be plat- 
ed. This wire is termed "slinging wire." The size I generally 
prefer for spoons and forks is about l-32d of an inch in thick- 
ness. The rods from which the anodes and goods to be plated 
are suspended must be kept quite clean and bright by rubbing 
with emery cloth. 

Spoons may be well brushed with either powdered pumice- 
stone or powdered bath-brick (I prefer the latter) and water — a 
hard brush being applied to the purpose. This cleansing process 
is carried on until all the polish of the spoons is removed ; and 
the fingers which hold the articles should be kept well charged 
with the powdered material, to prevent any grease or perspira- 
tion being imparted to the work. In cleaning spoons it is ad- 
visable to begin at the inside of the bowl, and then to proceed 
to the other parts; lastly, going over the whole surface lightly, 



32 

to render it uniform after the necessary handling it has been 
subject to. A little practice will soon render the operator expert 
in these important details. The spoons, etc., are to be placed 
in clean cold water as soon as they are brushed, and are then 
ready for the bath. The slinging wires may now be attached 

When a solution is newly made, the work is apt to be irregu- 
larly coated at first, therefore it may be necessary to take the 
articles out of the bath about ten minutes after their first immer- 
sion, and to give them another slight rub with the brush and 
powdered material as before, when they should be again rinsed 
and placed in the solution. 

If it is desired to give the spoons a very strong coating of silver, 
it is well, after a few hours' immersion, to remove them from the 
bath, and to submit them to the action of a lathe scratch-brush 
(consisting of a "chuck," with several bundles of fine brass wire 
attached to it, upon which beer or weak ale is allowed to run from 
a small barrel, with a tap to it, from above). This process will 
burnish down the white "burr," as it is called, and which con- 
sists of minute crystals of fine silver, and will prevent the coating 
from becoming rough. After the articles are scratched they 
should be rinsed in clean water, and again placed in the bath 
until done. The spoons may be lightly brushed over with 
moistened silver sand instead of being scratch-brushed, but the 
latter is preferable. When the goods have received the required 
coating they are again scratched, and can then be finished, either 
by the burnisher or polisher. 

ELECTRO-DEPOSITION OF COLD. I 

In importance, electro-gilding is second only to the art of 
electroplating; and it is carried on in much the same way. The 
solutions of gold, however, must be worked hot; hence the op- 
eration of gilding is conducted in a much shorter space of time 
than is required tor plating. An ^rticle-may be well and strongly 
coated in a few minutes, while it Would require several hours 
to electro-plate an article well. 

There are many forms of solution in use amongst electro- 
metallurgists, all of them varying in the proportion of gold to 
the gallon of water, and in the amount of cyanide employed. 
These solutions are all of them easily made, and any of them 
can be well worked by a skilful operator. Some gilders use 
five or six pennyweights of gold to the quart of solution — others 
as much as eight or ten dwts. ; but I have generally found that 
a solution containing less gold will give better results than one 
richer in the metal, independent of the advantage of economy. 
I have observed that a bath containing five or six dwts. of gold 
to the quart of water, and the necessary proportion of cyanide, 
and worked with several united cells of Smee's battery, has re- 



33 

quired a much larger surface of anode to be exposed to a given 
surface of negative electrode (that is, the article to be gilt) than 
would be required to gild an article in a solution containing 
one and a half dwt. to the quart of solution worked with a single 
cell of a constant battery. Hence I infer that the weaker solu- 
tionis the better conductor of the two. 

Gold Solutins. — Solution I. — Dissolve in a Florence flask 
one pennyweight and a half of fine gold in two parts 
hydrochloric acid and one part nitric acid (aqua regia,) ap- 
plying gentle heat to accelerate chemical action. When the 
the gold is all dissolved, pour the chloride of gold thus formed 
into a porcelain capsule and apply moderate heat until all the 
acid is evaporated. A red mass will result. It is advisable, 
when the acid is nearly expelled, to move the capsule round and 
round, so that the liquid may be dispersed over a large surface 
of the vessel. It will be found that the liquid will cease to flow 
when the acid is expelled, at which period the operation is com- 
plete. If too much heat is applied the gold will become re- 
duced to the metallic state, which may be known by the red mass 
acquiring first a yellow tinge, and next a gold bronze will be ob- 
served at the bottom of the capsule. In such a ease it will be 
necessary to add a little more of the mixed acids in the same 
proportion as before, which will at once re-dissolve the reduced 
gold. 

When the acid has been driven off the chloride of gold, about 
half a pint of cold distilled water is to be added, which will at 
once dissolve the chloride, forming a bright straw-colored solu- 
tion. Allow this to subside for a few minutes, as in all proba- 
bility there will be a small amount of white percipitate at the bot- 
tom of the vessel, which is chloride of silver ; the solution of 
gold must be carefully poured off from this precipitate, as it is 
soluble in cyanide of potassium, and its presence in the result- 
ing solution may be prejudicial. A little distilled water may be 
poured into the capsule, to rinse away all the gold, taking care 
not to allow the sediment to come away with it, when transfer- 
ring the rinsings to the solution of gold. 

A little stong solution of cyanide is now added, gradually, to 
the solution of gold, and the whole stirred with a glass rod. 
The gold solution will instantly lose its yellow color. A brown 
precipiate is formed by the solution of cyanide, and this 
must be added drop by drop until it produces no further 
effect upon the clear solution. The supernatant liquor is now to 
be carefully poured off and fresh water added several times to wash 
the percipitate of gold — taking care not to waste any of the pre- 
cipitate nor to add more cyanide than is absolutely necessary. 
When the precipitate is sufficiently washed, more of the solu- 
tion of cyanide is added, which will at once dissolve the precip- 
itate, forming a clear solution. The cyanide should be added in 



34 

excess, say about twice as much as may be required to dissolve 
the precipitate. The concentrated solution of cyanide of gold 
thus obtained is placed over the fire or on a sand-bath until it is 
evaporated to dryness, when it may be again dissolved in cold 
water and filtered for use. Lastly, enough boiling distilled water 
is added to make one quart of solution, and a little additional 
cyanide added if the solution is found to work too slowly at first 
but it is better not to use more cyanide than is necessary, other- 
wise the anode will become rapidly consumed and the gilding 
be of a " foxy " color. 

Solution II. Dissolve one and a half dwt., fine gold as before, 
and evaporate to dryness. Re-dissolve in half a pint of distilled 
water and precipitate the gold with ammonia, taking care not to 
add more ammonia than is necessary. Pour off the supernatant 
liquor and wash the precipitate as before. Now add sufficient 
cyanide of potassium to dissolve the precipitate. Evaporate to 
dryness, and re-dissolve with cold distilled water. The solution 
is then to be filtered, and distilled water added to make one 
quart. A little cyanide is to be added occasionally, as required. 

Solution III. Dissolve one dwt. and a half as before, and 
when the half pint of solution of chloride is obtained, precipitate 
the gold with hydrosulphate of ammonia. A copious black pre- 
cipitate is formed, which must be allowed to subside, and this 
substance then washed as before directed. Dissolve the precipi- 
tate with a lump of cyanide — say about half an ounce, or rather 
less; and evaporate to dryness. Then add water to make one 
quart. 

Solution IV. Dissolve the same quantity of gold as before, 
but without,evaporating the acid. Add a quantity of calcined 
magnesia, which will precipitate the gold in the form of an oxide. 
To the oxide add sufficient concentrated nitric acid (applying 
heat at the same time) to dissolve the magnesia, when the oxide 
will be left in the form of a precipitate, which is to be well wash- 
ed, and then solution of cyanide added to dissolve it as before. 
Evaporate and make one quart of solution with distilled water. 

These solutions should be worked at a temperature of about 
130 deg. F., with one cell of a constant battery. 

The solution of gold may be heated either in an enameled 
saucepan, or in a glass vessel placed in an iron pan contain- 
ing water. The operator now proceeds to arrange his battery. 
The wire which issues from the copper of the battery is to be 
attached to a piece of fine gold, which may conveniently be done 
by soldering, The article to be gilt is to be suspended to the 
wire proceeding from the zinc of the battery. 

Peepaeation of Aeticles to be Gelt. — Silver goods, such as 
cream ewers, sugar bowls, mugs, etc., should be well scoured 
inside with hot soap and water and silver sand, and if they are 
at all greasy, a little caustic soda may be applied to them first. 



35 




Or the mugs, etc., may be well scratch-brushed and then rinsed 
with boiling water. The insides only of these vessels are gen- 
erally required to be gilt, in which case the outsides may be 
wiped dry before gilding. The negative wire (from the zinc of 
the battery) is to be attached to the handle of the vessel. The 
plate of gold is now to be care- 
fully suspended in the centre 
of the mug, taking care that it 
does not touch the vessel; and 
the gold solution may be pour- 
ed into the mug by means of a 
jug or other suitable vessel, 
until it reaches the upper edge. 
If it is desired to gild the extreme edge, the solution may be 
guided over it with a piece of wood or glass rod. In about five 
or six minutes the vessel will be sufficiently gilt, when the anode 
may be removed, the negative wire detached, and the solution 
poured into the bath. The article is at once to be rinsed with 
hot water, and may be scratched-brushed and burnished in the 
ordinary way. When cream ewers, etc., are so constructed that 
the solution will not reach the lip, etc. , without overflowing, it 
is advisable to slightly tilt the vessel so as to cover as much of 
it as possible, and when it is gilt the lip may be dipped into a 
little gold solution, being attached to the battery the while; but 
in this case the outside of the lip will also receive a deposit. 
This may be prevented by coating the outer surface of the vessel 
with melted gutta-percha, Vessels which are to be gilt inside 
only, should be placed on a plate or dish to collect any solution 
which may run over. 

Silver brooches, pins, rings, thimbles, egg, salt and mustard 
spoons, etc., merely require to be scratched-brushed before gild- 
ing. After they have received the required deposit, they are 
again brushed, and if the color be a little too pale or too red, 
the articles should be immersed in the bath again for an insiant> 
and then plunged into boiling water, when they will assume a 
beautiful fine gold color. When well rinsed in hot water, the 
articles are to placed in a box of saw-dust, which may sometimes 
be advantageously kept hot for this purpose, in order to dry the 
goods as speedily as possible; but care must be taken that the 
box-dust be not allowed to char or burn, otherwise it will stain 
the articles. 

Goods which are made of copper or brass entirely may be dip- 
ped into nitrous acid ("fuming nitric acid" or "dipping acid ") 
for a moment, and instantly plunged into clean cold water; after 
which process they should be again rinsed in fresh Water, and 
at once placed in the gilding bath. Or, such articles may be 
merely scratched-brushed, rinsed, and then placed in the bath, 



36 



A NEW SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY, OR ELECTRIC 
ITY PRODUCED BY MOTION. 



We now come to a new, and, for large establishments, more 
economical process of generating electrical currents, which is 
destined to supersede all the before mentioned hydro-electric 
batteries, for the deposition of metals on a large scale. 

Faraday discovered in 1831, that the establishment and cessa- 
tion of an electric current in a conductor, induced similar cur- 
rents in any conductor running paralled to the same. The 
direction of this induced current, is reverse to the primary 
current in the first case, alike in the second case. Shortly after 
it was found that a magnet would' act in the same manner as a 
conductor traversed by a current. Pixu was the first who con- 
structed a machine utilizing this discovery ol magneto-induction, 
which was soon improved by Saxton, Clark, and V. Ettings- 
hausen. In all these machines helices of insulated copper wire 
were slipped over soft iron cores, and brought alternately under 
the inductive influence of permanent magnets. Siemens made 
the next great step in advance, by giving the iron core in the 
induction coil, that peculiar form which is known all over the 
world, as the Siemens armature. It resembles a long cylinder, 
into which two deep and wide grooves are cut on opposite sides 
parallel to its axis. Into these grooves the wire is coiled, also 
parallel to the axis. This armature revolves between the poles 
of a number of permanent magnets, and gives a powerful current 
for the weight of material employed. It soon occured to Wild, 
that this current could be used to excite an electro-magnet of 
great power, which in turn would induce currents in a large 
Siemens armature revolved between its poles. The machines 
constructed by him on that principle, gave astonishing results, 
and were fit for many industrial purposes. They are even now 
used to a great extent. 

Wheatstone and Siemens, found that the charging machine 
could be dispensed with, as the current from the armature could 
be taken through the coils of the electro-magnet to excite the 



37 

same, the machine starting with the small residuum of magnetism 
which every electro-magnet retains, after being once charged 
Since then a great many machines have been constructed differ- 
ing in shape, and more or less complicated; but all making use of 
the principle of magneto-induction. 

The conversion of the motive power driving these machines 
into electricity, is accomplished with more or less loss. Some 
makers claim to utilize 75 per cent, but such high results ap- 
pear doubtful. But in any case the magneto-electric machine 
is a great economizer, as it consumes nothing but the motive 
power and some lubricating oil for its journals, while the hydro 
electric batteries consume zinc, acids, mercury, and the attend- 
ants time for cleaning and amalgamating. Besides the current 
is uniform if the speed is regular and no unhealthy fumes are 
developed, All large establishments for electro-deposition, are 
availing themselves already of the advantages which these 
machines give over the ordinary batteries. 

As the passage of an electric current through a conductor is 
heating, the same, in proportion to the resistance which this 
conductor offers, it was soon found necessary to devise means 
for cooling the coils of dynamo electric machines, to prevent 
the charring and ultimate destruction of the insulating material. 
There is also heat developed by the rapid pole changing which 
the cores of the induction coils have to undergo. 

Wild, passed water through hollow brass pieces, which were 
interposed between the poles of the magnet, leaving a cylindri- 
cal space in which the armature revolved. Another maker cast 
the pole ends of the magnet hollow, and passed water through 
them. The armature has also been pierced from end to end, 
and a stream of water run through. The most effective plan for 
cooling, has been lately devised by W. Hochausen, who makes 
the magnetic field a water-tight compartment, in which the ar- 
mature revolves, in thorough contact with the water, keeping 
thereby both the iron core and the coil perfectly cold. 



PRICE LIST 



OF 



Gold, Silver & Nickle Plating 

and 
COPPER BRONZING SUPPLIES 

(Prices subject to variation without notice.) 

These prices are remarkably low, as will be seen by com- 
paring them with those of other manufacturers. 




No. 1.— The Single-Cell Electroplating Battery. 
PRICE $1.50. 

This battery is a marvel of cheapness and utility combined. 

With one of these batteries all the cuts in this book have 
been electrotyped, which will show practically what the bat- 
teries are capable of doing. 

This apparatus consists of a flint glass jar 4 by 4 inches, into 
which a porous cup and a square of zinc with a wire attached to 
one end for hanging the objects to, is placed in the porous cup. 

The battery is charged by dissolving sulphate of copper in 
hot water, and adding about a half ounce of sulphuric acid to 
the solution, so as to increase its conducting power. Take the 
balance of the sulphate of copper and put it in a bag and hang 
it on the side of the glass, as shown in the engraving. Place 
the porous cup in the glass a little to one side, with the zinc in 
it; fill the porous cup up with water; then add a few drops of 
sulphuric acid, and the battery will be ready for use. 

1 



Hang the article to be plated on the brass wire so that it will 
be covered by the solution in the glass, and the copper will be 
immediately deposited. 

This battery will be sent to any address, packed in a neat box, 
with some sulphate of copper, wire, and book of instructions, 
for $1.25. 

]>To. 2 Battery, single cell, packed in a neat box, 
but with a quarter of a pound of the best prepared wax for tak- 
ing impressions, one ounce of the best plumbago, and one soft 
brush — in fact, everything that is necessary to set to work and 
copper casts of coins, medals, &c, complete, with book of in- 
structions, sent to any address for $2.25. 



SMEE PLATING BATTERY. 

The single-cell battery is not often used when there is a large 
amount of work to be done, as it is not so handy as the Smee, 
or other forms of batteries. 




Smee's Electroplating Battery when in Use. 

For deposition of Gold, Silver, Nickle, Copper, ' and other 

metals. 

PBICE $3.00. 

This is the smallest kind of Smee battery that we make. It 
has two zinc plates two and three quarters by three and a half 
inches, carbon centre, two brass binding-posts, as shown in the 
engraving. With this battery is given a white annealed flint 
glass jar, four by four inches, for holding the solution, two 
brass rods for connecting the battery wire. To one end of these 
rods is connected a piece of sheet copper, the other is used to 
suspend the article to be plated. Sufficient sulphate of copper 
to Taake a saturated solution and book of instructions, all 
packed in a neat box, and sent to any address for $3. This is 
cheapest plating apparatus made. 

% 



No. 4 Battery, the same as the above, but with the 
addition of a quarter pound of the best prepared wax, one ounce 
best plumbago, one soft brush, packed in a neat box, for $4.25. 

No. 45 Battery, the same as the above, but with one 
quart of silver solution, one piece of sheet silver, and one hard 
brush, — substituted for the plumbago, wax, and soft brush, — 
packed in a neat box, for $5.00. 

Sample Shells, showing the work of these batteries, 
in copper, sent to any address for twenty cents. 

Besides the above we manufacture larger sizes of Smee's bat- 
tery, and other forms for manufacturing purposes. 




No. O Battery, Smee battery, zinc plates, 4§x3§ 
inches wide, in white annealed glass jars, for $3.00. 

No. T' Battery, Smee battery, zinc plates, 4x8 inches, 
in white annealed glass jars, for $5.00. 

No. ^ Battery, Smee battery zinc plates, 73x11 £ 
inches, in stone jars, carbon centre, for $ 12.00. 

Any of the parts of the above batteries, will be sold separately 
when wanted. 

No. O, TLuO^w&y's Jewelers' relating" 
Battery, $SO.OO. $25.00. 

The Batteries are composed of glass or porcelain jars, holding 
about two quarts of solution. P represents the positive poles, 
and Z the negative poles of the battery. Z Z are the two zinc 
plates, and P is the carbon plate of the battery. B is an iron 
stand, for the purpose of holding the Gilding or Silvering Pan 
containing the plating solution. F is two bars of brass or copper 
to connect the poles of the batteries to, and also to hang on the 
articles to be plated. 

T is a thermometer, which is used to ascertain the temperature 
of the solution. The gilding solution requires to be about 110 
degrees. Silver solution is worked cold. 

3 



Set complete, consisting of two two-quart Smee' Batteries, in 
eluding Gilding Pan, Brass Bars, Spirit Lamp, and Thermoneter, 
Price $20.00. Same with two extra Batteries, thus giving greatly 
augmented power and facilities, $25. 




W. LOWEY'S Improved Batteries, connected. 

With Gilding Pan in the act of gilding a Watch- Case. 



BUNSEN BATTERIES. 

These batteries are used whenever a very intense current is 
needed, as in plating Iron, Steel, Britannia Metal, etc. It is the 
battery that is now most generally used by the nickel platers of 
this city. 

Of this battery we have three sizes : — 

]N*o. lO consists of a white annealed flint-glass jar holding 
about one quart, a zinc with a porous cup fitting in the centre, and 
carbon with platinum connection, for $2.50. 

4 



ISTo. 11 glass holding two quarts, and other parts in propor 
tion, for $3.50. 

TN~o. 1££ glass holding one gallon, with rolled zinc, $5.50. 

These batteries are very intense, and where a strong current is 
needed, as in coating Iron, Steel, and Britannia Metal, is the one 
generally employed. It is this battery we are now^ supplying 
to the nickel-platers in this city and vicinity. 




No. 8 and 9 are a very convenient size, as they take up but little 
room. The glass jar is the size of a large quart tumbler. We 
generally sell two cells for plating. (No. 8) They will answer 
for fixing the solutions and finishing. They will plate iron, steel, 
and Britannia. I have used them on all these metals so difficult 
to plate. It is very intense, and drives the silver on very 
rapidly. 

5 



PARTS OF BATTERIES. 



Any of the parts of these batteries will be supplied separately 
when so ordered, such as — 

Glasses holding one quart, 50 cents; two quarts, 75 cents; one 
gallon, $1.25. 

Porous cups, for No. 1, 25 cents ; No. 2, 50 cents ; No. 3, 75 
cents. 

Carbons for the small batteries, — the smallest 3£x2£, 80 cents; 
size 4x3, $1.00; size 5Jx4J, $2.00; size 111x7s, $ 4.2*5; *6x9, $ 3.50. 

Carbons for the Bunsen batteries — No. 1, 50 cents; No. 2, 75 
cents; No. 3, $1.50. 

Brass Clamps for the Smee batteries— battery 3x3, 50 cents ; 
larger sizes, $1.00. 

Binding-Posts, small batteries, 25 cents; large, 50 cents. 

Connecting-Bars, with binding-posts on the end for connecting 
the battery wires, each 75 cents. 

Zinc of all kinds, for both Smee and Bunsen batteries. Rolled 
zinc cut to any pattern. 

We also put up sets of apparatus to meet the wants of certain 
classes of people in business at very low figures. 



SILVER-PLATER'S SET. 

If persons, in ordering,, do not want all the articles enumerated 
in the following sets, they can select whatever they may require, 
which, of course, will make the set cost less. 



two-quart batteries, connec- 
tions, stand, pan, thermom- 
eter, etc. 

pints of silver solution, 
bottle of cyanide of copper, 
bottle of nitrate of mercury, 
bottle of cyanide of potassa. 
graduated glass, 
bottle of crocus, 
bottle of rouge. 
Glass sticks and wires, 
box of sawdust. 
Sawdust brush, 
brushes, 
scratch-brushes. 



2 decomposing dishes. 
1 box pumice stone. 

1 box of whiting. 

1 bottle bright mixture, for 

bright plating. 
1 plate of silver. 
1 copper. 

3 connecting-cups. 

1 pound of mercury 

2 burnishers. 

1 brass blowpipe. 
1 lamp. 

1 bottle gold solution. 
24 filtering papers. 



These articles are all packed in a box, with book of instructions 
on plating in gold and silver. Price, $40. 

6 



JEWELERS' SET. 

In this set is included all that is necessary for a Jeweler or 
Watch -Repairer to start in buiness with. It comprises all the 
Batteries, Solutions, Chemicals, and Apparatus that are required, 
with Instructions, viz. : 



2 two-quart Smee's Batteries. 
2 " Solution Dishes. 
1 stand, with pan. 
1 pint of cyanide of silver, 

with bottle. 
\ pound of cyanide of potassa, 

with bottle. 
1 bottle of nitric acid, with 

ground stopple, 

Mercury and bottle, 

Silver plate and wire. 

Gold plate and wire. 
1 scratch-brush. 
1 lamp. 



1 soft brush for cleaning work. 
1 box of ground pumice stone. 

1 " whiting. 

2 connecting cups. 

1 graduated glass. 

2 glass rods, for stirring solu- 
tions. 

1 hand brush. 

1 burnisher. 

1 bottle of crocus; 

1 piece of chamois, leather. 

1 bottle rouge. 

1 blowpipe. 

1 box and thermometer. 



These articles are all packed in a box, with Instructions, and 
can be sent by express to any part of the world perfectly safe. 

Price $32.00. 



SET FOR TRAVELLING PLATERS. 



Bunsen batteries. 

extra glass cup. 
** porous cups. 

rods, 24 inches with cups. 

12-ft. conducting wires. 

book of instructions. 

glass funnel. 
\ pound quicksilver. 
1 magnet. 
1 pair of scales. 



1 graduate glass. 
1 scratch brush. 
1 sand brush 
1 fine brush. 
1 burnisher. 
1 lb. hanging wire. 
1 box pumice stone. 
1 box whiting. 
1 box of rouge. 
1 box of crocus. 



This set will be packed and sent to any address on receipt of 

Price $18.00. 



BLOODSTONE BURNISHERS. 

Eleven sizes. Prices from $ 1.25. to $ 11.00. 

7 



ANODES. 

Prices subject to variation, and will be furnished on application. 
Gold and silver anodes rolled in any required shape. Granu- 
lated gold and silver for making solutions. 

Pure nickel anodes, 2}x6 inches „ 

« << " 2Jx9 " 

<< << « 4x10 " 

Any other sizes to order. 

Pure nickel in grains 

Single salts of nickel and ammonia 

Double " " " " 

Chloride of " " 

Copper anodes of all sizes 

SOLUTIONS. 

Solutions of all kinds on hand and made to order. 

Gold solution containing 2 \ dwt. to the quart. 

Silver, solution containing four ounces to the gallon, 

per gallon 

Cyanide of copper, per quart 

" " " gallon ; 

Lowey's Hydrometer for testing the strength of solutions 

STEEL BURNISHERS. 

Swiss Oval Steel, two sizes, 60 cents each. 

French Oval Steel, in handles, curved and straight ends, 75 cents 

each. 
French Agate, in handles, $1.30. each. 

Stubbs' steel, in handles, three sizes, from 50 to 75 cents each. 
Steel Burnishers, of any required pattern, made to order, at prices 

varying according to size and shape. 
Casseroles, or Colorcng Pots, from 3 to 6| inches in diameter 75 

cents to $3.00 



POLISHING POWDERS. 

Emery first quality, 25 cents per pound. 

Emery Cloth of the best brands, 15 cents per sheet, $1.50 per 

quire. 
Emery Paper, American, best quality, all sizes 5 cents per sheet, 

75 cents per quire. 
French Emery Paper, first quality, 5 cents per sheet, 40 cents 

per dozen. 

8 



Pumice Stone, powdered 20 cents per lb. 
" " lumps, 15 cents per lb. 

ROUGE. 

Crocus, 75 cents per pound. 
Rouge, hard, second quality, $1 per pound. 
" " first quality, $1.25 per pound, 

soft, in balls, $1.25 per pound. 



a 



BRUSHES. 

Wooden handles, first quality, 3 rows, 30 cents; 4 rows, 35 cents; 

5 rows, 40 cents; 6 rows, 45 cents. 
Wooden handles, extra quality, 3 rows, 35 cents, 4 rows, 40 cents; 

5 rows, 45 cents ; 6 rows, 55 cents. 
Wooden handles, goat hair, 3 rows, 40 cents; 4 rows 50 cents. 

BRASS SCRATCH-BRUSHES. 

Prices from 60 cents to $3.00, according to size. 

STEEL SCRATCH-BRUSHES. 

Prices from 40 cents to $2.50, according to size. 

BRASS END-BRUSHES. 

Large, $1.00; small, 75 cents. 

BRASS SCRATCH WHEEL-BRUSHES. 

2 rows. 3 rows. 

2 inches diameter, each $1.50 $1.75 

3 " " " 2.00 2.75 

4 " " " 2.75 3.75 

HAND BUFFS. 

LEATHER. 

Plain, per dozen, 75 cents, each 7 cents. 
Heavy, per dozen, $1.25; each, 12 cents. 
Half round, per dozen, $1.00; each, 10 cents. 
Round, per dozen, $1.25; each, 12 cents. 

FELT. 

Plain, per dozen, $2.50; each, 25 cents. 
Heavy, per dozen, $2.50; each, 25 cents. 
Round, per dozen, $3.50; each, 35 cents. 
Round buffs, all sizes and thicknesses, to order, 

9 



Polishing and Buffing Machinery. 

All of this machinery is made in the best manner, with steel 
spindles and hard metal bearings, and is designed for quick 
speeds with cloth and brush wheels. Walrus leather and leather 
covered wheels. These machines have proved by long use to be 
the best in the market. 



No. I. -JEWELERS' POLISHING LATHE. 

This lathe as shown in 
the cut stands seven and 
three - quarters inches 
high, and has a spindle 
seventeen and a half 
inches long by three- 
quarters of aD inch diam- 
eter. The screw on the 
spindle is accurately 
turned and is fine enough 
Priee $15. to use with the smallest 

brush. The spindle between the collars is seven and one-six- 
teenth of an inch diameter. They are also made one end with 
taper screw, the other end bored taper to receive ring buffs, with 
thread outside to screw on buff chucks. They are made with a 
V pulley, and also with tight and loose pulleys. Tight and 
loose pulleys will be sent unless otherwise ordered. 

No. 2.-LICHT BUFFING LATHE. 





Priee $25. 



These lathes stand twelve inches high and have spindles two 
feet nine inches long, one and one-quarter inches diameter and 
weighs forty-nine pounds. They are made with collars on each 

10 



end of the spindle, one collar and one screw, and two screws, 
also with fast and loose pulleys, and with one wide fast pulley. 
The spindles between the collars is three-quarters of an inch in 
diameter. Unless otherwise stated, orders will be filled with 
tight and loose pulleys and with one collar and one screw, as 
shown in the cut. 



No. 3. -JEWELERS' 



DOUBLE SPEED POLISHING 
LATHE. 




Price $75. 

These lathes have been designed to supply a long felt want, 
where economy of space and good workmanship were desirable 
in a foot power lathe. By means of the patent V belt we have 
been able to place a countershaft under the table, which can 
only be clone successfully by means of this belt. The pulleys 
on the countershaft are arranged to give about twenty -seven 
revolutions of the lathe spindle to one revolution of the crank 
which at fifty strokes a minute, give a speed of 1,350 revolu- 
tions, a speed which makes it especially desirable for extra fine 
polishing, scratch-brushing and satin finishing. The lathe 
stands seven and three-quarter inches high and has a spindle 

11 



seventeen and a half Inches long, by three-quarters of an inch 
diameter. The screw on the spindle is accurately turned and is 
fine enough to use with the smallest brush. The spindle be- 
tween the collars is seven-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. 
They are also made one end with the taper screw, the other end 
bored toper to receive ring buffs, with thread outside to screw 
on buff chucks. The table of this machine is made of black 
walnut, twenty inches by thirty-four inches, with two drawers, 
and is zinc lined. The frame is of iron and is well braced, and 
has a strong jointed treadle and turned pulleys. The connect- 
ing rod has brass bearings, 




We also sell small cheap polishing lathes $6, $7 and $8, and 
Balance wheels for foot power $8, $10 and $15 each. 



THE HOCHHAUSEN 

DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES, 

For Electrotyping, Silver, Nickel, Brass, Copper- 
Plating and Gilding. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE MACHINES. 

A Siemens armature of improved shape rotates between the 
curved ends of a magnet, composed of two iron plates. A cop- 
per conductor is wound round each core of the magnet, and an- 
other from end to end into the armature groove. The two ends 
from the latter coil are attached to the insulated, lengthwise 
divided halves of a metal cylinder, from which the electricity in- 
duced is taken up by two collectors, made of flexible sheet-cop- 
per, which press against this cylinder at opposite sides. The 

12 



Nos. 1 and 2 machines have a countershaft fixed to their stands 
below the magnet, which carries fast and loose pulleys and a 
cone pulley to drive the armature. In the No. 3 machine the 
countershaft is best fixed overhead. It is not included in the 
price, as it is with Nos. 1 and 2, but will be made to order. 

This machine works on the dynamo electric principle. The 
magnet holds some feeble residual magnetism which is im- 
parted to it by passing a current of electricity through its coils, 
or by holding a magnet to it, pole to pole. This feeble magnet- 
ism, which always remains, induces a weak current in the ar- 
mature coil when the latter is turned, but as this current is 
allowed to circulate through the coils of the magnet it strength- 
ens the same, and this increased magnetic power will in turn in- 
duce currents in the armature coil of augmented force. The re- 
ciprocal action between armature and magnet produces a maxi- 
mum of current after a few turns. This maximum is evidently 
greater for a high speed than for a moderate one. Setting the 
machine up to electroplate with, the anode and cathode rods on 
tank, and the galavnometer and resistance wires on switch- 
board are placed in circuit by good copper conductors, as shown 
in cut. Let the armature of No. 1 revolve 1.200, No. 2 1,000, No. 
3, 900 times per minute. The machines for electrotyping 
purposes differ in electromotive force from those for the de- 
position of silver, nickel, brass, gold and copper from a Cy- 
anide solution. The former represent strong single cells of 
very large surface, the latter a number of smaller cells con- 
nected in series. As the relative proportion between the anode 
and cathode surface varies considerably in working the metals 
mentioned, the current must be governed accordingly. This is 
accomplished by increasing or diminishing the length, and con- 
sequently the resistance of a wire, by a switch fastened to a 
board which also carries a galvanometer indicating the amount 
of current passing. This instrument is furnished with all ma- 
chines except those for electrotyping where it is not needed, 
as the anode is always kept proportionate to the cathode. 

The switch is arranged in such a manner that the circuit is 
completely open when the lever is pushed to the left as far as it 
will go. By moving it to the next contact plate to the right, the 
circuit is closed, but the current has to traverse the whole of the 
resistance wire, and is consequently feeble. Moving the lever 
still farther to the right, cuts out a part of this wire, decreasing 
thereby the resistance and increasing the strength of the cur- 
rent. This action of diminishing the resistance and augment- 
ing the strength of the current goes on as the leaver is moved 
more and more to the rig! it, till, coming to the end of its field 
of action, the whole of the resistance wire is cut out and the cur- 
rent is at its maximum for the amount of cathode surface it is 
working on. 

13 



PRICE LIST. 





Weight. 


No. 1. 


200 lbs. 


" 2. 


500 " 


" 3. 


1,300 m 



Deposition of 
Silv'r per hour, 



25 ounces. 
75 
225 



Electrotyping. 

A Good Shell 

Obtained in 3 h'rs 



Power consumed 



10 square feet. 1-3 horse power. 



30 

ioa 



Price. 



$200 
400- 
750 



Following are the addresses of some of the firms using these 

machines: 

Messrs. Harper & Brothers, Franklin Square, N. Y., two No. 3. 
" Smith & McDoUgal, 82 Beekman St., N. Y., No. 3. 
" D. Appleton & Co., Works, Kent Avenue and Hewes 
Street, Brooklyn, E. D., No. 2. 

Trow's Printing and Publishing Co., 205 to 213 Twelfth Street, 
New York, No. 2. 

The Photo Engraving Co., 67 Park Place, No. 2. 

Webster Manufacturing Company, Front Street, Brooklyn, Sil- 
ver and Gold, No. 2. 

American Nickel Plating Works, 118J Milk Street, Boston Mass., 
Nickel, No. 2. 

Mr. Herman Eckard, 14 and 16 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, E. D., 
Nickel and Copper No. 1. 

Manhattan Silver Plate Co., corner Second Ave. and Twenty- 
second Street, New York, Silver, No. 1. 

Keystone Silver Plate Co., 521 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, Sil- 
ver, No. 1. 

Branford Lock Works, Branford, Conn., Nickel and Brass, No. 1. 

Messrs Nicholas Mueller's Sons, Courtlandt St., N. Y., Brass and 
Copper, No. 1. 

New York Button Co., 73 Franklin St., N. Y., Nickel, No. 1. 

Meriden Silver Plate Co., West Meriden, Conn., Silver, No. 1. 



Acid. 

Sulphuric. . . . 

Nitric (chemically pure) 

Nitric 

Hydrochlaric. ... 

Acetic 

Fuming Nitric 

Oxalic. ..... ....... 

Ammonia , 

Alcohol (per pint) 

Sulphate of copper 

Sal ammoniac 



CHEMICALS. 



Per pound. 



14 



CHEMICALS (continued) p er 

Cyanide of potash. 

Bichromate of potash 

Nitrate of Potash. 

Sal soda. » 

Bicarbonate of soda 

Cream tartar 

Bicarbonate potash 

Bisulphuret of carbon (per ounce) 

Soldering acid, of our own manufacture (per bottle) . . . 



pound* 



ELECTRO- METALLURGY 

PBACTICAIiliY TREATED. 



152 Pages 



Price $1.25. 



CONTENTS. 



Discovery of Electrotyping. 

Quantity and Intensity Elec- 
tricity 

Faraday's Nomenclature. 

Constant Battery. 

Various Forms of Battery. 

Conducting Power of Solutions 

Effects of Motion during Elec- 
tro Deposition. 

Electro Deposition of Copper. 

Electrotyping Processes. 

Preparation of Moulds. 

Formul® for Moulding Mate- 
rials. 

Bronzing Electrotypes. 

Coating Iron with Copper. 

Electro-Deposition of Silver. 

Silver Solution. 

"Bright" Plating. 

Arrangement of Battery. 

The Strength of Current Re- 
quired for Different Metals. 

Preparation of Work to be 
Plated. 

Coating Lead or Pewter Sur- 
faces. 



Stripping Silver from Old 

Work, etc. 
Recovering Silver from old 

Stripping Solutions, etc. 
Deposition of Silver on non- 
Metallic Surfaces. 
Electro Deposition of Gold. 
Gold Solutions. 

Preparation of Work to be Gilt. 
Gilding Cheap Jewelry, etc. 
Gilding Filigree Work, etc. 
Electro Deposition of Brass and 

Bronze. 
Brassing Solution. 
Bronzing Solutions. 
Electro - Brassing Cast - Iron 

Work. 
Electro-Brassing Wrought-Iron 

Work. 
Electro Deposition of Platinum 

and other Metals. 
Electro Deposition of Zinc. 
Preparation of Articles to be 

Coated. 
Deposition of Alloys of Metals. 



Napier's Electro Metallurgy. 

PRICE $2.00. 

Any Scientific Work published will be furnished at publish- 
er's price. 

15 



THE HOCHHAUSEN 

Dy&aao lltetrie 







Nos. 1 and 2. 




Below is a carefully prepared Price List of what a 
Jeweller or Silver Plater ought to charge for 

SILVER PLATING GOODS. 



Single Articles. 



Single. D'ble. 



Triple. 



* 



Soup Ladles 
Tea Sets.... 
Coffee Pots 

Tea Pots 

Sugar Bowls. 

Cream Cups. 

Tea and Coffee 

Communion S: 

Ice Pitchers 

Wine and Mf 

Soup Tureen 

Cake Basket 

Card Baskets 

Fruit Stands 

Celery Stands 

Wine Stands 

Butter dishes 

Syrup Cups 1 , with Waiters 

Dining Castors 

Breakfast C|astors 

Cups i . 

Soda Water Cups 

Call Bell/ i 

Napkin JUngs, per doe. ...,../ 

Hunting Watch Cases * 

Open Fatce W atch Cases 




$1 50 


$2 25 


11 00 


15 00 


2 50 


3 50 


2 00 


3 00 


1 75 


2 00 


1 00 


1 50 


4 50 


6 50 


11 00 


15 00 


4 00 


5 00 


3 00 


3 50 


5 00 


6 50 


3 00 


4 00 


1 50 


2 50 


2 00 


3 50 


1 50 


2 50 


3 00 


4 50 


2 50 


3 00 


1 75 


2 00 


2 50 


3 50 


1 50 


2 00 


1 00 


1 25 


1 25 


1 50 


75 


1 25 


3 00 


4 50 


1 60 


2 00 


1 85 


1 75 



$3 00 
18 00 



50 
00 
50 
00 
00 



18 00 
6 00 



00 
00 
00 
50 
00 
50 
50 
75 
00 
00 
00 
50 
75 
50 
6 50 
9 50 
2 25 



KNIVES, FORKS, SPOONS, ETC 



Plain and Tipped, per 


doz. 


Single. 


D'ble. 


Triple 


Tea, Egg, Mustard and Salt Spoons . . . 
Dessert Spoons and Forks 


$1 75 

2 62 

3 50 
13 
25 

1 75 

2 75 

3 00 
2 50 


$2 75 

3 75 
5 00 

25 
50 

2 00 
5 00 

4 00 

3 50 


$3 75 
4 87 


Table Spoons, Forks and Butter Knives 
Oval Threaded and Beaded, additional 
Figured Patterns, additional, 


6 50 
50 

75 


Nut Picks 




2 50 


Table Knives, new 


6 00 


Dessert " " 


5 00 


Tea " " 


4 50 



Tlie above warranted full plate as represented by iceight. 
Knives, forks and spoons, if badly scratched, are improved by 
rcnnishing, before they are replated. For this an extra charge 
of $1.00 per dozen will be made. 



LOWEY'S Improved Bunsen Battery, 




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s 



w 



3 

•— • 

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o 



09 



Cfl 



I 5 



LOWEY'S Double Geared 




o 



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